Caffeine Content: Cola vs. Citrus

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Which soda packs the bigger buzz — a cola drink like Coke or a citrusy choice like Mello Yello? Surprise: It's not the Coke, which has 15.6 fewer milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can than Mello Yello (33.9 versus 49.5). When Auburn University researchers tested 131 national and private-label brands of soft drinks, they found that while caffeine levels varied widely, citrus-flavored drinks generally had more of the stimulant than colas. Another surprise: You may have only your jitters to alert you to the ingredient. Soft drink manufacturers are not required to list caffeine content on the label, and while a few do, most don't.